Duluth-Superior, North Shore, and VICINITY
Duluth was voted the best brewery tour in Minnesota by Growler Magazine readers. SmartAsset had Duluth ranked number 3 or the best beer cities in the United States. Sitting on the shores of Lake Superior, the city has a lot to offer, including beer, and is a favorite tourist destination for many Minnesotans.The area north of Duluth is great for a colorful scenic fall drive.
Castle Danger Brewing
Surprising large place, both inside and out. Two taproom areas inside, both with bar and tables in a sitting area. Outside has a very large wooden deck area that is new and likely recently built. The brewery is located right in the middle of downtown Two Harbors, just a few blocks off the highway. They had about 10 beers on tap including their award winning Cream Ale. Beers we enjoyed:
Location: 17 7th Street, Two Harbors Updated: Jul '18
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Castle Danger Patio Area
Taproom
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Moose Lake Brewing
We went up here to look at some brewing equipment they were selling because they were installing new equipment to provide more capacity. They are in a great location, just off I-35W about 45 miles south of Duluth. They are not lakeside, but's it's close enough as Moosehead Lake is literally just across the street. They have a nice outdoor patio with a great view of the lake. Nice-sized taproom with a friendly Northern Minnesota look and feel. The beer was excellent and on the night we were there, they had fresh pizza for the price of a beer or two or more. Location: 244 Lakeshore Drive, Moose Lake Updated: May ’18
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Bent Paddle Brewing
This was my first stop when I got to Duluth. They had just recently moved into their new, very large and spacious taproom in what appeared to be an old warehouse. Bent Paddle is the largest brewery in Duluth and I would think they are in the top 10 in Minnesota. The produce some good beer and I look especially forward to their Barrel-aged Double Shot Double Black. I was hoping to snag some special releases at the taproom but unfortunately, the night I was there, they just had their standard fare. No food is served on site but you can bring it in or order it from local restaurants. Location: 1832 West Michigan Street, Duluth Updated: May ’18
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Fitgers Brewhouse Brewery and Grille
Fitger’s history dates back to 1881 but the brewery history dates back another 24 years, making them one of the earliest breweries in Minnesota, although operations were not continuous. The original brewery had up to 10 buildings, some of which are still being used today. Now it houses the brewpub, a variety of shops, hotel and a restaurant. The Fitger’s Barrel Room provides occasional live music. There is a lot of history and memorabilia throughout the complex and sits on the shore of Lake Superior. Food is served in both the brewpub and barrel room. Location: 600 East Superior Street, Duluth Updated: May ’18
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Canal Park Brewing
Nice brewery sitting on Lake Superior's shore. Large taproom and outdoor patio overlooking the lake. Sitting at the long bar provides a windowed view of numerous bright tank, from which beer is served. They are just a short walk on the lake pedestrian path to/from Fitger's. They had a variety of beer on tap - something for everyone. Good pub-style food menu. Great place to bring your family while visiting Duluth. Location: 300 Canal Park Drive, Duluth Updated: May ’18
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Dubh Linn Brewing
As the name implies, Dubh Linn is an Irish-themed brewpub with a classic Irish pub food menu. With a spacious taproom/restaurant, the small 40-barrel nano brewery provides a variety of styles on tap to pair with your meal. The restaurant uses as much fresh local-grown food in its menu as possible. Dubh Linn means dark pool referring to the dark waters which pooled from the river Doddler. Interestingly, Arthur Guinness believed these dark waters were perfect for brewing beer, inspiring the "Perfect Pint." Location: 109 W Superior Street, Duluth Updated: May ’18
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Blacklist Brewing
Blacklist, which opened a taproom in 2016 after operating a few years without one, is a Belgian-inspired brewery. Being Belgian-inspired makes it stand out from the other Duluth breweries. The long and narrow taproom sits atop the brewery in the basement. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and I was able to get a short tour of the brewery. Snack food is available, including a giant pretzel, but feel free to bring in your own or order from various restaurants in close proximity, who will deliver. Location: 120 E Superior Street, Duluth Updated: May ’18
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Hoops Brewing
Open since summer 2017, this 15-barrel brewery offers a provides a large beer hall atmosphere. Large floor to ceiling windows showcase the brewing system. Plenty of seating for large groups. The brewer/owner had a long history at Fitger's before starting Hoops. No food is served here but you can bring in your own or order for nearby local restaurants, who will deliver. Cocktails are also served here, but you need to stay in that area. Location: 325 South Lake Avenue, Duluth Updated: May ’18
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Thirsty Pagan Brewing
Located on the North side of downtown Superior, just across the bridge into Wisconsin from Duluth. Good place for some beer and pizza plus live music. The live music was quite enjoyable. Unfortunately, when I was in here they were without a brewer, but actively searching for one, so the beer selection was extremely limited. Most of the beer offered was guest taps. There were some bomber bottles available. Location: 1623 Broadway Street, Superior, WI Updated: May ’18
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Earth Rider Brewing (Cedar Lounge)
Cedar Lounge is the official taproom for Earth Rider. The brewery is located 1 block away. They were serving about 16 taps of Earth Rider beer and good live music was being played. For food, they have a handful of bar snacks and pizza available. Location: 1715 North 3rd Street, Superior, WI Updated: May ’18
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Voyageur Brewing is located in downtown Grand Maris, a small town way up on the North Shore of Lake Superior (2 hour drive from Duluth). It is a nice place to stop for beers. It is relatively new with a large indoor seating area, a nice outdoor deck and another good-sized seating area on the roof. They have a selection of about 12 beers and a nice bar food menu. It is right on the which highway makes it very hard to miss, however this does mean the outdoor seating has some light traffic noise. We visited in a group and most of us ordered flights. Beers enjoyed:
Location: 233 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais Updated: Jul ’18
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Voyager Taproom
Voyager Flight
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